FORMOTEROL belongs to the class of 'bronchodilators', primarily used to treat and prevent asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes) and emphysema (shortness of breath). Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing. COPD is a group of lung diseases that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
FORMOTEROL consists of Formoterol that belongs to the class of bronchodilators. It is a long-acting beta-agonist that relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs. Formoterol makes breathing easier by widening the airways. It is also used to prevent exercise-induced breathing problems.
Your doctor will advise on how often you take FORMOTEROL based on your medical condition. The common side effects of FORMOTEROL include nausea, shakiness (tremor), headache, dizziness, dry mouth, stomach upset, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and hoarseness (abnormal voice changes). Most of these side effects of FORMOTEROL do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
FORMOTEROL will not work as a rescue inhaler for sudden severe symptoms of asthma. Brief your medical history to doctor if you have any heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood), aneurysm (swelling of an artery), pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour), overactive thyroid, seizure (fits), metabolism problems like ketoacidosis, and diabetes before taking FORMOTEROL. Please check with your doctor if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding before starting FORMOTEROL. FORMOTEROL may cause shakiness and dizziness that can affect your driving ability; hence drive only when you are alert. Limit alcohol intake to prevent worsening of side effects. FORMOTEROL is not recommended for children below five years of age.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma.
FORMOTEROL is used to treat and prevent respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). FORMOTEROL consists of Formoterol. It is a long-acting β₂ agonist and bronchodilator. It relaxes the muscles in the airways and increases airflow to the lungs. It makes breathing easier by widening the airways. FORMOTEROL improves pulmonary function and effectively treats wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing.
Before taking FORMOTEROL, let your doctor know if you have a history of heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia, aneurysm, pheochromocytoma, overactive thyroid, seizure (fits), metabolism disorders (ketoacidosis), and diabetes. Bronchodilators like Formoterol can cause hypokalaemia; therefore, they should be used with caution in patients with hypokalaemia to prevent any cardiovascular effects. FORMOTEROL may cause a rise in blood glucose levels. Hence monitor your blood glucose levels regularly and inform your doctor if you already have diabetes before using FORMOTEROL. Please let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or already pregnant and a lactating mother. FORMOTEROL may cause shakiness and dizziness that can affect your driving ability; hence drive only when you are alert. Limit alcohol intake to prevent worsening of side effects. FORMOTEROL is not recommended for children below five years of age.
Drug-Drug Interaction: FORMOTEROL may interact with antidepressants (moclobemide, amitriptyline, imipramine), Parkinson's medicines (selegiline, levodopa), water pills, blood pressure medicines, antibiotics (erythromycin), corticosteroids (prednisolone), respiratory drugs (theophylline, aminophylline), and thyroid medicines (levothyroxine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Limit alcohol intake since it may cause a rise in blood pressure leading to heart diseases.
Drug-Disease Interaction: FORMOTEROL should be cautiously used if you have any allergic reactions to medicines, heart, liver, kidney diseases, high blood pressure, hypokalaemia, aneurysm, pheochromocytoma, ketoacidosis, and diabetes.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can worsen your side effects.
FORMOTEROL should be used during pregnancy only when the doctor advised. Please consult your doctor if you are planning to conceive or already pregnant before starting FORMOTEROL.
There is limited data on how FORMOTEROL affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before starting FORMOTEROL.
Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience drowsiness and shakiness while using FORMOTEROL. This may affect your ability to drive. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
FORMOTEROL should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing FORMOTEROL.
FORMOTEROL should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing FORMOTEROL.
FORMOTEROL is not recommended for use for children less than five years of age. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending upon the condition of the child's disease and age.
Asthma: It is a breathing problem in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty breathing.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD): It is a group of lung diseases that block airflow and make it difficult to breathe. The most common COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. Chronic Bronchitis is a lung disease associated with inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.